Kroupi joined Bournemouth from FC Lorient in January 2025, remaining on loan for the rest of that season before becoming a first-team regular under departing manager Andoni Iraola this campaign. He scored 13 Premier League goals in 32 appearances — a new record for a teenager in a debut top-flight season, surpassing the previous marks set by Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane.
His most notable contribution came on Tuesday night when his curling 39th-minute strike gave Bournemouth the lead against Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium, a goal that proved the one that handed Arsenal the Premier League title.
Chelsea's interest stems from their awareness of the market around the player rather than an active bid. Incoming manager Xabi Alonso has publicly indicated a preference for experienced, ready-made signings in his first window, but the club are monitoring Kroupi's situation and want to be kept informed of any developments.
The Daily Mail reported Chelsea's position as maintaining awareness rather than initiating a formal approach.
Arsenal have also been tracking the teenager, which would carry a particular irony given the role his goal played in handing them the championship. Sporting director Andrea Berta is building a list of wide attackers and forwards capable of operating across the front line, and Kroupi's versatility — he has played as a number nine, number ten and left winger under Iraola — makes him a compelling profile.
Bournemouth's new head coach Marco Rose, who has been confirmed as Iraola's replacement, is understood to be fully aligned with the club's desire to retain Kroupi. The 19-year-old recently changed representation to Moussa Sissoko, the agent who also represents Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué among others — a move that signals Kroupi's camp is thinking seriously about his next step.
The club's position for now is firm. Bournemouth have European football for the first time in their history next season and have no financial pressure to sell their most exciting asset.